I am sick to death of the childish mischaracterizations used by both Charles Petersheim and Noel van Swol to describe people who do not share their fanatic support of gas drilling by fracking.

The majority of residents in this area oppose fracking because of the proven damage it does to the environment, the water supply, the roads and infrastructure and the nature of our communities.

Not letting the facts get in the way, Mr. van Swol dismisses people opposed to fracking as “trust fund babies,” while Mr. Petersheim labels them the “pro-foreign energy crowd.”

Such ridiculousness would be worth no more than an eye-roll was this issue not so important. By labeling opponents of fracking as “trust fund babies,” Mr. van Swol would like you to believe that these are just spoiled rich kids who oppose fracking because they don’t need the money it could bring here. Really? If every person who has signed a petition opposing fracking or attended a town meeting or a rally to voice their opposition is a trust fund baby, then this area must be loaded with them. I’ve never met one. Have you?

Mr. Petersheim’s characterization of residents opposed to fracking as the “pro-foreign oil crowd” is equally bizarre and misleading. He would have you believe that the gas obtained by fracking the Catskills will stay local and the price at the pump in our area will drop. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the Millennium Pipeline doesn’t go to the gas stations in Fosterdale, Callicoon or Jeff. The gas companies are global multi-nationals and natural gas is a commodity on the world market. Catskills gas will be sold to the highest bidder, with most of it being exported to foreign markets. Does this make Mr. Petersheim “pro-foreign oil?” Of course not. It just shows how such name-calling is laughable.

If we are going to have a reasoned debate on fracking, let’s at least try to stick with the facts and leave the mischaracterizations and childish name-calling to the schoolyard.

Laurie McFadden

Cochecton, NY